This item is part of the Pennywise Sale, and will be available for pickup at or after 5 Pm on Friday, May 3.

The house of Mastroberardino is almost entirely responsible for the revival of winemaking in the area surrounding Campania’s Mount Vesuvius post-WWII. Their efforts ignited a repudiation of pedestrian bulk wine production and a resurgence of high-quality wines that reflected the unique terroir of the volcano. They lavished particular attention on indigenous varietals, many then facing extinction. Greco, Fiano, Coda di Volpe, Piedirosso-many of these grapes survived only due to the efforts of the Mastroberardino family. It would be impossible to over-estimate their influence in returning these wines and this region to world-class status.

This wine is 100% Coda di Volpe, one of my very favorite grapes. The grape bunch is thought to resemble a fox’ s tail. And the wine name, which translates as ‘Tears of Christ’, refers to a fable of Christ looking down upon the vineyards around Vesuvius and crying tears of pure joy at its beauty. Supposedly, another grapevine sprung up from each tear.

A stunning pale yellow in color, with aromas of pear and apple. The palate gives you pear, honeydew melon, and undertones of white peach and licorice.

The name gives it a lot to live up to. It manages.